Florida Tech Interview Day

[Benny386]

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Hey Everybody,
This is my first post on here. I'm a first year in Florida Institute of Technology's PsyD. program and I've yet to see anybody talk about this years interview day or whether or not anybody has heard from them. I will be one of the grad students helping out that day (Friday, Feb 27).

I was wondering if there were any prospective interviewees on this forum. Leave a post if you're coming and I'll keep an eye out for you. Also, if anybody has any questions about the school or PsyD programs in general feel free to leave a post or pm me.

Good Luck to everybody this year!

 

[Hirschykiss310]

This my first post too...I figured I might as well just register seeing as though I look at the forum so often. I'll be at FIT next week for interview day! : ) I'm extremely excited because I'm at Binghamton University (upstate NY) undergrad and it's currenly 10 degrees haha. My brother is an undergrad there so I'll be staying with him for a few days but I'll be at the social on Thursday night!

 

[Benny386]

That's awesome, congrats! I know a few people planning to be at the socials, everybody is really nice and the weather is gorgeous. I'm originally from NJ so I totally know what you mean. The interview is really relaxed; just make sure you ask a lot of questions and you'll do fine.

 

[nodak16]

hey benny,

i am considering applying to that program this coming December. I was just curious what kind of credentials you went in with (if you are interested in sharing) and how you are enjoying the program so far? It is always good to hear an insiders opinion! Thanks!

 

[Benny386]

To be honest, my credentials weren't as great as they could have been. My GRE was 1000 and my GPA was a 3.0 (dragged down by a rough start as an undergrad), but I made sure I went in with a beefed up resume (lots of working with children and practical experience) and I made sure that every professor knew my name at interview day. I think it also may have helped that I'm a male (there's only two guys including me in my year).

Don't get me wrong though: some (possibly most) of the people in my program came in with a 4.0 (or close to it) undergrad GPA and I'd guess that the range of GREs are from 800s to 1300s +.

So far I am enjoying the program - the transition into graduate school can be really challenging for some people so it took me a semester to really get into it. I missed my parents and my friends back in NJ and the program is demanding (obviously...). I am involved in a few extra curricular activities so I'm pretty busy too. My chief complaint is that the program is really expensive and there truly isn't enough time to hold down a job and go to school. Some people do, but they're crazy. The weather is beautiful though and school is about 5 minutes from the beach and about 75 minutes from Disney World. Can't beat that! The class schedule is very similar to that of an undergrad (at least for the first couple years) - classes are during the morning and afternoon for the most part (unlike other grad schools where all the classes are at night).

I would definitely recommend applying here!

 

[GCsurfer]

Hey,

I am a senior in college at the University of South Carolina Upstate. I will be attending the interview day at Florida Tech on February 27th. I have visited the school twice before. I considered getting my undergraduate education at Florida Tech and I had a meeting with Dr. Farber last year during my spring break.

One question I had was..How on earth do you pay for Florida Tech? Are you doing some sort of assistantship or getting any help from the school? I believe I saw on the website that the school does not want grad students to work more than 10 hours per week.

Also, it appears that the interview day consists of several group interviews, but not a one-on-one interview. Is this correct?

 

[Benny386]

Hey it's great to hear you'll be there! Private message me your name (if you're not comfortable putting it here) and I'll keep an eye out for you on Friday!

Basically, LOTS OF LOANS, either that or rich parents (we have definitely have both here). In my case (and I think in most people's cases) I have a few loans out. The first two are the subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans. This covers the cost of tuition and other school related things. The other loan is called a Grad Plus loan and this is a private loan that you can get through Sallie Mae - the application is separate from the federal loans. This goes through the school and comes back to you (you pick it up from the bursar a couple weeks into the semester) and it's about $6000 (that's the max you can take out so the amount is really up to you). For me, this covers rent, groceries, gas, basically all my living expenses for the semester. Assuming you spend frugally (which I don't...) you should be fine, but I did have to borrow a bit from my parents to cover rent until i got my next loan check.



There are some assistanceships available but they're extremely limited. Maybe 4 or 5 out of the 19 in my class are getting any help. I believe the number of people who get this goes up later on though because the upper classmen not only have research assistanceships but are also teaching assistants.

Also, I heard about this 10 hours rule too. I tutor about 6 hours per week and have no problems at all though 10+ would be stretching it for me. One of the girls in my year works waaaaaaay over 10 hours though (she has two jobs!) so it's up to you, really. My advice would be to test the waters first... if you can keep up with the work and maintain a steady job.. more power to you!

Interview day is really really chill so don't sweat it. You will be broken up into four groups who will rotate to each classroom and meet two of the faculty members. They will tell you about themselves, about the program, and answer any questions you might have. It seems odd because it's a bit impersonal, but I thought it was great because it really gave people an opportunity to shine. I asked a lot of questions and made sure I left with the professors knowing my name - there were people at my interview day who didn't even open their mouths! Needless to say, they are not in the program. You can really tell who is enthusiastic and driven and who is just taking up space!

 

[GCsurfer]

Hey, Im completely new on this forum, so I don't know how to PM you. I only found out about Student Doctor Network from googling Florida Tech interview day.

My name is Aaron Privett. I am applying for the Psy D. program and I would like to get into the forensic concentration. Throughout my internship at the Department of Juvenile Justice in South Carolina, I saw several open job opportunities for doctorate level psychologists. Lucky, because while I was there several people were laid off by the state and others had to take time off to save the state money. I learned that psychology was a critical part of South Carolina's juvenile justice budget.

It looks like I will also be going to the social on Friday after the interview day. Do you have any advice for the social? Im prepared to get out of my suit and into something more buissiness casual for the social.

 

[Benny386]

Nice to meet you Aaron, yeah I don't know how to do that either haha. Yeah there are a couple of really good (or so I've heard..) forensic people here. You don't necessarily have to apply into any concentration, you just register for the "forensic track" classes when your schedule allows. There is a social on Thursday night and Friday night. For both I would say business casual, but on Friday I think most people go straight there so I'd probably just lose the jacket and tie.

As for advice... just be yourself. You're going to be mingling with other interviewees and doctoral students. I can definitely speak for my class (as well as probably the others) when I say that you do not need to impress anybody at the social. It's really just supposed to be a good time!

 

[shoe22]

Hey Benny!

Thanks for starting this posting! I just found out fairly recently that I was accepted at FIT but I had a couple questions about the program. I would be coming in with strong assessment and research experience, but I'd really like to get a lot more clinical training in. Do you feel that there is a lot of training in this area? I've heard that there is a big focus on assessment. I was also curious what you thought about the clinical orientations there? I've heard it was very Cognitive-Behavioral in the past but that it is changing; is that true?

Thanks!!

 

[Benny386]

Hey,
Congrats on getting an acceptance! Florida Tech's PsyD program is clinically based, this is the norm for most PsyD programs. If you're looking for something with minimal research and maximum clinical experience this is the type of program you'd be interested in. The research opportunities are there but you are only required to do one final research project before your internship. If you're looking for something more research based with some clinical then I would look more towards PhD programs.

You probably knew that, but that being said there is a very strong focus on assessment in this program. There is a full year of assessment training (first year) - IQ (fall), Personality (spring), Projective (summer), plus practicum training and utility in assessment. So to answer your question, yes there is a lot of training in this area.

As for clinical orientation... I came into FIT with a very strong leaning toward Psychodynamic and was a bit overwhelmed by the focus on assessment and CBT. I guess you have to come in with a pretty open mind, and I was certainly eager to learn so I got over it. Many of the students here were definitly CBT minded prior to coming in though. I guess CBT would be their main orientation, but there are three other model courses you can take (CBT, Humanistc, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems), and you're certainly not limited to using one model. I wouldn't say that their model is necessarily changing, but it certainly has an eclectic feel to it.

Hope this helps!

Ben

 

[shoe22]

Hi,

Thanks for the congratulations and for the quick response! I'm curious, I would also be coming in with more of a psychodynamic slant, but it's something I would like to expand a bit upon rather than totally repress. Are there many practica or alternative courses (besides a basic course) offered at FIT that are more psychodynamic or something close to that? Also, what would you say about the student body atmosphere is like there?

Thanks again!!

 

[Benny386]

Other then the one course there isn't a whole lot on psychodynamic. You will have the oppurtunity to utilize the model in practicum if you so choose, but there really aren't any analysts (as in trained in an institute etc.) in the faculty (that I know of). I honestly plan to do a bit of self-study aside from taking the psychodynamic course and will probably consult with the more "experiential" practicing professors (i.e. humanistic and not so CBT oriented).

The student body is awesome. We are really like one big family - I've seen schools where the student body is really competitive and we're definitely the exact opposite. I'm really close to the majority of people in my year and have made good friends with people in other years. We really work well together, we help each other, and we really support each other.

 

[shoe22]

Thanks for the info, it was quite helpful! Let me know if you ever need a psychodynamic study buddy; I've decided to accept FIT's offer and will be there in the fall!!🙂🙂

 

[Benny386]

Awesome! Congratulations! Hey if you're on AIM send me an IM - AltoZ426 or e-mail me... [email protected]

Otherwise see you in the fall!

 

[GCsurfer]

I too have decided to accept the offer and attend Florida Tech in the fall. Florida Tech was my number one choice throughout the process, so I'm very excited!

Is there anyone else who is going to Florida Tech in the fall?

 

[Benny386]

Hey Aaron,
Congrats on getting in!

See you in the fall!

 

[UNCheer08]

Message Deleted by User

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Hey Benny, do you or anyone else here have any information on the APA or APPIC match rates at Florida Tech? In one book I read a solid 94%, but in another thread on here it was listed at 21%. Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

http://cpla.fit.edu/clinical/outcomes.php

Obtained APA/CPA accredited internships:

2001-2007
20(91%)
17(89%)
16(84%)
13(87%)
16(84%)
10(67%)
13(81%)

 

[kojo]

I went to FIT. It is a solid program in my opinion. The assessment focus was really strong when I was there. I had assistantships throughout which cut down on the cost (I paid off all my debts in 1 yr). Plus several of my practica placements were paid. The area has a low cost of living. They also have access to a lot of practica sites.

FIT has a PhD in I/O Psych and I believe they are starting a new PhD in ABA which sounds exciting. When I was there a few yrs ago, we could take the PhD stat/research courses if we wanted too.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I went to FIT. It is a solid program in my opinion. The assessment focus was really strong when I was there. I had assistantships throughout which cut down on the cost (I paid off all my debts in 1 yr). Plus several of my practica placements were paid. The area has a low cost of living. They also have access to a lot of practica sites.

FIT has a PhD in I/O Psych and I believe they are starting a new PhD in ABA which sounds exciting. When I was there a few yrs ago, we could take the PhD stat/research courses if we wanted too.

A friend of mine did the I/O Ph.D. and liked it.....plenty of stats courses if that is your thing!

As for a Ph.D. in ABA....really? I always thought of ABA as a post-BA/BS certification type thing. Why would someone do that instead of a clinical/counseling Ph.D. with a strong behavioral background?

 

[kojo]

A friend of mine did the I/O Ph.D. and liked it.....plenty of stats courses if that is your thing!

As for a Ph.D. in ABA....really? I always thought of ABA as a post-BA/BS certification type thing. Why would someone do that instead of a clinical/counseling Ph.D. with a strong behavioral background?

Yes that is what I heard....maybe it is not published yet or it is in the works. Most of the behaviorist I know have PhDs or PsyDs in Clinical with a strong behavioral background. ...like you said.

 

[futureapppsy2]

A friend of mine did the I/O Ph.D. and liked it.....plenty of stats courses if that is your thing!

As for a Ph.D. in ABA....really? I always thought of ABA as a post-BA/BS certification type thing. Why would someone do that instead of a clinical/counseling Ph.D. with a strong behavioral background?

I know this is an up and coming idea (PhD in ABA), and I believe grads of at least some of the programs meet the standards for licensure (aka the APA accredition standards), though I don't think any of them have been accredited yet.

 

[GoCanes789]

Hi,
I know this post is about 2 years old but I found the information to be really helpful in preparing for grad school interviews.

Fl tech is my #1 school on the list to which I applied and I have become dismal and really stressed over the past few days waiting to here back from them with either a rejection notification or an invite to an interview.

I know the interview day this year is Feb. 25th which is quickly approaching and I was hoping someone could tell me how long before their interview day you heard back from Florida Tech and in what form, an email, regular mail, etc.
Thanks!

 

[paramour]

19 students in a cohort?! 😱 Sheesh!

And no/limited assistantships, and they want to limit students' work hours? I'd have a hard time justifying the financial cost personally. I'm unfamiliar with this program. Is Florida Tech a "professional program," or are they one of the programs that simply accept larger cohorts and do not provide funding?

A friend of mine did the I/O Ph.D. and liked it.....plenty of stats courses if that is your thing!

As for a Ph.D. in ABA....really? I always thought of ABA as a post-BA/BS certification type thing. Why would someone do that instead of a clinical/counseling Ph.D. with a strong behavioral background?

Yeah, I think there's a graduate level certificate available at our university.

(Yes, I'm well-aware this thread is dated, but as it was bumped...)

 

[TheFlip44]

GoCanes789,

I am currently a 1st year at Florida Tech. I think I got notification only about 2 weeks before the interview date. If I recall correctly, I turned in my application right at the deadline so that might have been a factor in the close-cutting notification. If you have any addition questions feel free to PM me. It feels like more than a year ago, but I remember being in your shoes. Good Luck!!!

 

[ChildPsyc]

I talked to them on Tuesday, and they said the invites were going out in the next few days, and I received one via email this morning. Don't give up hope! 🙂

 

[psychchristy]

ChildPsyc- I also received an invite for Florida Tech. It's my first choice, so excited!

 

[ChildPsyc]

I'm excited too...I'd book planes and hotels ASAP...the hotels they suggested in the email yesterday are already full, and I got some of the last seats on the planes (I'm coming from STL). Just a heads up! 🙂

 

[Existenz]

this thread has the makings of a good lifetime movie...😀

 

[anonymiss88]

Just called FIT this morning. Didn't get an e-mail for an interview unfortunately and my name isn't in the last batch they're sending out in the next few days either. I've been told that I could still be admitted but I'm really down about this. 🙁

My GPA and grades are right at or above the average of those accepted each year. I have a 3.65 GPA and 151 Verbal and 153 Quantitative GRE scores. They equate to around a 1,145 on the old scale. I didn't take the Psych GRE subject test though and don't have any real experience in the field. I just don't know what to expect. 😕

 

[T120]

I know this thread is a few years old but if anyone is still willing to offer some advice re: Florida tech , I am waiting to hear back about interview invites and have some questions! Thanks.